‘Matter’ in London starts the column off this week with one of the king of clubs… Mr James Baille…
James, you were instrumental in directing clubland just where it is at today. Tell us about Nottingham’s Venus and The Bomb – what are your favourite memories from halcyon days?
“I have a lot of fond memories from both clubs, the last night at Venus was sad for a lot of people – but we honoured to have Underworld play their best ever gig. As for The Bomb, Green Velvet and Basement Jaxx live was so intense hearing these two acts performing in such a small space.”
Fashion has always played such a big part in your life, what cool designers are rocking your wardrobe today?
“Well I was a bit of a clothes horse back in the day, now I am more of a traditionalist with favourite with tends towards Duffer, Trickers brogues, Red Wing boots, Jack Purcells, Paul Smith obviously for a well cut suit and as for jeans, I like jeans when they have aged on their own if you know what I mean”.
You had a bunch of great resident DJs at your clubs in Nottingham, a very fucking cool city. Who were your faves?
“No question about it – Paul Wain and Dave Congreaves. Dave is a proper ‘DJs DJ’ – we nicknamed him ‘The Knowledge’! Guest wise? Derrick Carter and Weatherall. Always.”
What’s with the story about the Venus Reunions that have just cropped up?
“It started on Facebook, I was introduced to the page ‘Venus – The first ever Super Club’. Wrong wording as we never sold out. I didn’t know what to expect with the reunion, then before I knew it we had sold 700 tickets in a matter of hours. The old Venus heads came from far and wide including some people from New York City.”
And now, a move to London to work alongside the Fabric team on their new venue ‘Matter’…
“Yes indeed, I was very flattered when asked. I’ve always had great respect for Fabric so you can imagine how I felt when I got the call. Matter will be putting on a melting pot for all different styles of music and club nights. It won’t be like Fabric where Fridays and Saturdays where it’s all structured – we’ll be looking at keeping an ‘open music policy’. Live artists will be pretty diverse, I’ll be housing as many live bands as possible – you have seen the venue so you know how interesting it’s going to be…”
